John Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:16

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, etc.] Or “shall abound”, as the Targum; that is, streams of water from fountains; which Aben Ezra interprets of a multitude of children, namely, that are lawfully begotten: the “fountains” are the man and his wife in lawful marriage; the streams are their offspring lawfully procreated by them; which may be said to be “dispersed abroad”, when being grown up they are disposed of in marriage in other families, and so become fountains to others, and public blessings; [and] rivers of waters in the streets; meaning a numerous posterity as before; and such as a man is not ashamed publicly to own, whereas he is ashamed of such as are unlawfully begotten; but these are to his honour in the streets, and for public good; and particularly to those to whom they are given in marriage; (see <234801>Isaiah 48:1). Jarchi interprets this of multiplying disciples, and of teaching them the law publicly, and of getting a name thereby; but it might be interpreted much better of spreading the doctrines of the Gospel, and of the public ministry and profession of that, for the good of others.

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